James Garner and Thierno Barry score as Everton beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 at the City Ground to move eighth in the Premier League.
Everton moved into the Premier League top eight after a controlled 2 0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Goals from James Garner and Thierno Barry sealed a fifth victory in nine league matches. The result condemned Forest to a third straight defeat and left them hovering just above the relegation zone.
David Moyes was forced to cope with several absentees but saw his side deliver one of their most disciplined displays of the season. Everton were clinical when chances arrived and resilient for long spells without the ball. Forest enjoyed heavy possession but lacked incision throughout the night.
Everton struck in the 19th minute through Garner against his former side. Dwight McNeil slid a neat pass into the midfielder’s path. Garner finished low into the corner for his first goal since August.
Forest responded with territory but struggled to create clear openings. Igor Jesus poked wide from close range in their best moment of the half. Everton defended compactly and protected Jordan Pickford with authority.
The hosts pushed harder after the break and dominated possession. They attempted 52 crosses across the match but found little joy. James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien dealt with most deliveries into the box.
Pickford remained largely untroubled despite Forest registering 21 shots. Everton looked dangerous on the counter and nearly doubled the lead when Tarkowski headed just wide. The visitors remained patient and waited for their moment.
That moment arrived in the 79th minute to seal the points. Garner turned sharply away from his marker and played a precise through ball. Thierno Barry finished calmly for his second Everton goal.
Both of Barry’s goals for the club have come against Forest. The £27m summer signing continues to search for consistency but delivered when required here. Everton saw out the closing stages with minimal fuss.
Forest ended the game with almost 70 percent possession. They completed 245 passes in the final third compared to Everton’s 54. Despite that dominance, Everton created more big chances.
The Toffees recorded their eighth clean sheet in 19 league matches. Only Arsenal have more this season. Garner also impressed statistically, winning eight of his nine duels while adding a goal and an assist.
Garner was the standout performer on his return to the City Ground. He now has five Premier League goal involvements this season, his best campaign return. Moyes praised his leadership and maturity after the match.
At the back, Tarkowski and O’Brien were dominant throughout. Pickford commanded his area well during late pressure. Forest’s Morgan Gibbs White and Dilane Bakwa went close late on but could not break through.
Everton climb to eighth with 28 points from 19 matches. They sit four points off the top four in a congested table. Forest remain 17th and just four points above the relegation zone.
Sean Dyche admitted his side lacked a cutting edge. Forest have now failed to score in 10 league games this season. Only Wolves have a worse attacking record.
Nottingham Forest travel to Aston Villa on Saturday, January 3rd. They then face West Ham away on Tuesday, 6 January in another crucial fixture.
Everton host Brentford on Saturday before welcoming Wolves on Wednesday, January 7th. Moyes will hope returning players can help maintain momentum into the new year.
